Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia is not in favor of cap and trade legislation because of its threat to West Virginia’s economy which has a large coal industry.

“I cannot support the House bill in its present form. I continue to believe that clean coal can be a ‘green’ energy. Those of us who understand coal’s great potential in our quest for energy independence must continue to work diligently in shaping a climate bill that will ensure access to affordable energy for West Virginians,” Byrd said according to the Wheeling News-Register.

Byrd is expected to return to the Senate floor, after a hospital stay, before voting begins on cap and trade.

The House recently passed cap and trade (House Resolution 2454) in a close vote 219-212. This bill is now being reviewed by the Senate and voting is expected to begin this Fall. If passed by the Senate in its current form and signed into law by President Obama, H. R. 2454 will result in the largest tax increase ever and is expected to drive up consumer costs on energy and virtually all consumer goods including food.